Plattsmouth, Nebraska

The Oto Indians lived in the Plattsmouth area when the first European
explorers arrived in the region in the early 18th Century. Frenchman Etienne
Veniard arrived at the confluence of the Platte and Missouri rivers in 1714.
His countrymen, brothers Pierre and Paul Mallet, gave the Platte its name
when they viewed it in 1739. The wide, shallow river reminded them of a
plate.

Lewis and Clark came by in 1804. A sign where the Platte empties into the
Missouri offers information on the expedition's arrival here. Today, it is part
of the Schilling Wildlife Management Area. To reach this historic site, take
Schilling Refuge Road north from downtown Plattsmouth.

Plattsmouth was platted in 1854. In 1868, Joseph and Mary Cook built a log
cabin in the new community, which is still standing at Second and Main
Streets. It is maintained by the Cass County Historical Society and is open
to the public by appointment, along with the Burlington Northern caboose
that was moved here from the tracks nearby.

A couple blocks west is the Cass County Courthouse, built in 1892. It is
part of Plattsmouth's Historic District, listed on the National Register of
Historic Places.

The Plattsmouth Public Library, a block north of Main Street at 401 Avenue
A, is also on the National Register.

The Nebraska Masonic Home is a castle-like structure at 1300 Avenue D. It
houses a 101-bed nursing home, 35 independent living apartments, and a
14-room Alzheimer's unit. Only a Master Mason or his family is eligible to
stay here.